A bit of sun warms the winter morning
The sky over head a listless blue
A second cup of coffee in hand
I move my chair to the end of the deck
Away from the cover of the overhang
Absorbing nature and the rare warmth
Against the sleeping blue sky a hawk soars
The wing span a magnificent sight
Looking at the peach tree I spot tiny buds
And below crocuses pushing tips above ground
Suddenly a swish, the hawk sweeps by
Turns, catches a current and soars
Criss-crossing the sky as if hunting
Back it comes, sits on the railing
Where my arms are outstretched
It looks at me and hops forward
I'm frozen in wonder as it approaches
Puts its head on the back of my hand
Turning it back and forth in a caress
Stops, looks at me for an eternity then flies off
Circles the sky and returns to
Drop one treasured feather at my feet
Phenomenons of grace
Leaving me awe struck and
Shrouded in humility.

© Marcia Miller-Twiford
2/09/2009